This is my second MINI (2009 JCW PW/BL). Last was an S (CR/WH). I love MINIs, but the ride on bad city streets is punishing. My S had 16 in wheels and seemed to do a bit better. But I feel every bump in a BIG way. Any thoughts on ways to improve this? Not sure if it is worse than when I first bought it or not, but it is really rough. Maybe have the dealer check shocks?
Thanks!!

 

Either ditch the runflats for different tires (then you have the spare tire issue) or go to smaller (15" or 16") rims - they'll give you more rubber and less metal for a (should be) better cushioned ride.

 

Hope you don't have the sports suspension as that can be painful.

As suggested go to a nice compliant non run flat like the continental extremecontact DWS. I would even increase the sidewall height a little with the 215/45 17 size. Since you have a factory JCW, you cannot go to a 15 or 16" rim as you may know.

Or change out your shocks to something like Koni FSD and do not lower the car.

 

It's the larger rims with less sidewall and run-flats. I have the same problem in my 2010 S w/ sport package (not suspension, just the 17 inch wheels, etc.). As slinger688 mentioned, you can really only change out the tires in your case to some non run-flats. Smaller diameter wheels would help, but they won't clear your JCW brakes.

 

I was also bugged about the harsh ride when I first got my Cooper S, but when I checked the tire pressures for the first time I found that each was a few psi over spec. I let them down to the recommended pressure, and it made a noticeable difference. Just be sure to reset the TPMS if you do this.

Note that I savor the firm ride and handling of my MINI, but the initial experience bordered on unpleasant. I was happy to find out that I could combine handling with some degree of comfort just by correcting the tire pressures. BTW, I set mine at 38psi all around. I seem to remember that they were slightly over 40psi at delivery. I've got 16" Conti runflats.

Cheers,

-:G:-

 

Ditch the run flats first. Get a Slime Spair kit (just like GM puts in the Chevy Cruise off the show room floor, no spare - no runflats). I went with Koni FSD's but that did little for actual comfort, did more better handling without loosing comfort.

 

Koni FSDs are really soft and compliant under normal driving. Just drive it side by side with a normal mcs with the sport suspension.